UNMEE VIDEO UNIT AND UNTV COOPERATE ON DOCUMENTARY

The United Nations Television and Video section (UNTV) in New York offers a wealth of videos, television programmes and archival film material to major broadcasters as well as established producers for redistribution of compelling human interest stories produced by the Organization, into the homes of millions of viewers around the world.

On 4 June, UNTV Producer Michele Zaccheo won a prestigious CNN award for the "Best Political Story" of the year 2002. Mr. Zaccheo’s documentary East Timor: Birth of a Nation had to compete against many other CNN contributors worldwide. "This award is a great recognition for us. It is not just an award for the quality TV that the UN can produce, if adequately supported.  It is also an important nod to all the people who make the UN work to achieve its aims — often against terrific odds — in places like East Timor", said Mr. Zaccheo.

The UNMEE video section headed by Edward Scott, provides video coverage of major events and key developments in the Mission. "The goal is to raise awareness about the peace process and to build confidence among the populations of Ethiopia and Eritrea", said Ed. To date, the video unit has produced two thirty-minute documentaries about the peace process, "First Steps to Peace," and "Next Steps to Peace." Both have addressed the peace process by examining key topics such as the establishment of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), demobilization, and humanitarian issues like resettlement of displaced persons. The unit has also started work on its third documentary which will cover progress in the Mission from January 2003 to the demarcation phase. It has also produced a pilot programme called "the UNMEE Minute", which is a 60-second, fast-paced news item that focuses on single developments and other mission highlights. Besides documentaries and newsprogrammes, the video unit is producing a number of education programmes.

Recently, UNTV and UNMEE’s video unit got the opportunity to work together when UNTV executive producer Kamil Taha and cameraman Joaquim Viera visited Ethiopia to work on a project featuring UNMEE’s humanitarian work on both sides of the border. The team’s mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea focused on the themes of Millennium Development Goals, Peacekeeping and Poverty Eradication. In Ethiopia, the team was able to film Quick Impact Projects (QIPS) in the Central Sector. They documented humanitarian activities carried out by the Indian Battalion in Adigrat and in Zela Ambessa they recorded the effects of war on the local population. In addition to this, the TV crew documented the work of UN agencies based in the region. In Eritrea, Ed Scott filmed two Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Adi Keiyh and Senafe for the UNTV team. "To get footage for the project," said Ed "we travelled to Adi Keiyh to document repair and renovation work of an elementary school. We also went to Senafe to film the demolition of a major hospital that was severely damaged during the border war."

In addition to documenting the work being done at each site, Ed also filmed interviews with local people that hope to benefit from the work being done by CIMIC and local contractors. "This project has come at a good time for the video unit as it coincides with work on our new documentary that focuses on UNMEE humanitarian work including community redevelopment and resettlement, especially as it relates to displaced persons and communities torn by war", concluded Ed.

IT'S KENDBATT TO THE RESCUE AS BURE GOES THIRSTY

The Eastern Sector of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) is known for its severe climatic conditions, but nobody was prepared for what March and April had to offer. During this period the situation changed dramatically. The temperature rose to unbearably high levels and consequently all the wells and taps dried up. Though every village experienced acute water shortages, Bure – a border town on the Ethiopian side of the TSZ - was worst hit.

The town which is approximately 74 kilometres from Assab, normally relies on wells and piped water for their supply. The truck, provided by a non-goovernmental organisation, which supplies water, once every three days, could not cope with the extra demands from people and animals.

In desperation the residents of Bure were forced to wander into the TSZ in search of water. They eventually found a dam full of water but unfortunately it was 100 metres inside the TSZ and in Eritrean territory. But thanks to the quick thinking and speedy action of KENBATT’s Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Kimeli, a potentially serious incident was avoided. Lt. Kimeli who is stationed at Point 74 in Sector East, negotiated with the Eritrean police and militia commanders for the women and children to be allowed to bring their cattle to the dam to drink on humanitarian grounds, and they agreed.

This agreement worked for a while but fortunately a more lasting solution came two weeks later in the form of a heavy downpour. Lt. Kimeli described it as divine intervention.